Tag: hiking

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Ymir Peak

Ymir Mountain is renowned for its powder, but it’s also a perfectly hike-able summer excursion. Achieving the summit involves following a difficult trail to traverse the boulders and scree in the Ymir Bowl, but the reward is ridge-line hiking with spectacular views!

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 8.5km
Elevation: +760m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult
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Payne Bluffs (K&S Trail)

Following the old K&S (Kaslo and Sandon) Railway, this trail winds high from Sandon to the bluffs overlooking Three Forks. It visits several mine sites with interpretive signs sharing the region’s history.

Summary
Trailhead: Sandon Road or New Denver Siding Road
Distance, round trip: 13.6 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Kimbol Lake

A forested trail, carpeted with moss and pillared with old growth trees. The subalpine lake is cradled in a steep valley with limited views but still a worthy destination.

Summary
Trailhead: Nakusp Hot Springs
Distance, round trip: 11 km
Elevation: +551 m
Season: mid-June to early-November
Difficulty: Moderate
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Galena Trail

Galena is a natural lead and silver ore—it was the stuff of miner’s wildest dreams back in the days of the “Silvery Slocan.” This is a historic rail trail that was used to bring ore down from the mines at Sandon. Today, the Galena Trail is a pleasant walk in the forest with an exciting cable car crossing.

Summary
Trailhead: Sandon Road or New Denver Siding Road
Distance, round trip: 15.2 km
Elevation: +175 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Hot Springs Trail

Yes, you can hike all the way into the Nakusp Hot Springs! This is a mossy multi-use trail that follows Kuskanax Creek, tracing a historic pioneer route used to access the springs. Most hikers prefer to go one-way, arranging a pickup or hitching a ride after a good soak at the hot springs. This trail is sometimes referred to as “Kuskanax Creek”.

Summary
Trailhead: Alexander Road or Nakusp Hot Springs
Distance, one way: 9.8 km
Elevation: +250 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty: Moderate
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Montrose Antenna Trail Loop

The Montrose Antenna Trail offers scenic views of the Columbia River Valley with a nice climb up the slopes. Come for the fall colours or spring flowers – either way, this is an amazing shoulder season hike!

Summary
Trailhead: 12th St, Village of Montrose
Distance, round trip: 6.6 km
Elevation: +307 m
Season: early April to mid November
Difficulty: Moderate
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Telegraph Trail

The Telegraph Trail flows through the mossy forest floor and traces an old telegraph line, with the ceramic insulators still fixed to many of the trees. The trail ends with a scenic bench at Wilson Creek.

Summary
Trailhead: West Wilson Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 10.6 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Raccoon-Badger Trail

If you think hiking on the Great Northern Rail Trail is a bit boring, then you’ll want to head up into the woods. The Raccoon and Badger Trails offer a welcoming experience for new hikers and trail runners- smooth, flowing trails just above town. Be cautious of descending mountain bikes and move off the trail to give them space.

Summary
Trailhead: Cherry Street or Gore Street
Distance, round trip: 5km
Elevation: +190m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Haiseldean Lake

A short hike to a quiet subalpine lake, with plenty more exploring on the surrounding ridges. The forest is studded with golden larches in the fall.

Summary
Trailhead: Redfish Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 7km
Elevation: +407m
Season: late June to early October
Difficulty: Moderate

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McKean Lakes

McKean Lakes is a worthwhile alpine destination, tucked away on the edge of Valhalla Provincial Park. The road is long, the trail is steep, but the lakes are cradled beneath impressive peaks.

Summary
Trailhead: Koch Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 10.4km
Elevation: +671m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult
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